A Mission from All Saints to Benin, West Africa
From Fr. Michael: “Parishioner Gray Plunkett has served as a lay missionary for decades. I am grateful our parish can accompany him in this important work of Bible translation. I encourage you to read his letter below to learn more about his mission in Benin, or watch a personal video from him here. Please keep him in your prayers.”
Dear Brothers and Sisters of All Saints,
I’m Gray Plunkett, an All Saints parishioner since 1998. Many of you may remember me as the lay missionary who would sometimes speak at the end of Mass wearing African attire. For 36 years I’ve served in northern Benin, helping translate the Bible into the Foodo language. I’ve always understood myself as sent out from this parish, so I’m writing to share this mission with you and invite you to be part of it.
When I arrived in 1989, the Foodo were just beginning to read and write their language. In 1995, I gathered four Foodo men to begin the long work of Bible translation. Over the years we’ve published several booklets, and we now have three books of Scripture basically finished. Our goal is to publish, by 2031, a volume containing the Pentateuch, Psalms, the four Gospels, and Acts, along with an audio version in Foodo so people can hear God’s Word in their own language.
Talking about finances never comes easy for me. However, when I finally shared my needs with our All Saints Knights of Columbus Council, their generosity convicted me that the Lord may be moving others as well to share in this mission.
While one-time gifts are a blessing, what I most need are monthly supporters. My living expenses and part of the work in Benin come to $2,500 per month. Right now I receive about $500 per month. If 80 people give $25 a month, the ministry will be fully funded. Would you prayerfully consider being one of those 80?
To learn more and how you can support this work, please visit deepinhistory.net/allsaints.
Please keep me in your prayers, and thank you for considering how you might be part of this mission.
St. Jerome, pray for us!
Yours in Christ,
Gray Plunkett
gplunksma@pm.me
If you would like to send financial support for my work in Benin:
- Direct support (non tax-deductible): Give Securely Through Tithe.ly
- Also PayPal: @gplunksma, Venmo: @gplunksma, or Zelle: gplunksma@pm.me (use this email in your banking app)
- Also PayPal: @gplunksma, Venmo: @gplunksma, or Zelle: gplunksma@pm.me (use this email in your banking app)
- Tax-deductible gifts (through the Society of African Missions):
- By check payable to: Society of African Missions. On the memo line, write “Benin Mission – Gray” and include a short note stating it is for Gray Plunkett. Mail to: Society of African Missions, 23 Bliss Avenue, Tenafly, NJ 07670, Attn: Bursar’s Office
